Mesopotamia is a greek word and means '' in between rivers'' meso=middle and potami=river. This village is betwwen two rivers exactly like the area between Tigris and Euphrates rivers...
That's true! Tigris-Euphrates (Τίγρης-Ευφράτης) are also 100% Greek names. Same goes for many languages and not just places, names etc. Who knew, that Latin alphabet (alphabet is another Greek word lol), comes from Kymi of Evia. Gabriel was at Evia some days ago! Western civilization and a big part of this world, ows everything to Greece. Maths, Democracy, Philosphy, Language, all sciences...Ippokratis the Greek doctor, who all the doctors in the world, sware to his oath to become doctors.
I think you are rushing and don’t have enough time in each place. For example the area you were in is very beautiful and there were more places to see. Papigo village is very nice, there are springs close to it and of course anybody who can hike up the mountain gets to see the dragon lakes which are absolutely stunning. You could also do a rafting activity and see the area from the river viewpoint. In general the zagorohoria region is very traditional, with lots of interesting architecture, stone bridges and beautiful landscapes.
This guy seems to rush through most countries and then same with places within those countries also. Gotta wonder if he's going full speed from one to the next for the sake of ticking destinations off his list (yes he literally has a notebook with a list), or is it for the views on here as well? I've often thought that he misses so much that he would really enjoy if he took a pause and did some research and planning.
I think he's a tick it off the bucket list type of guy. He's been to Greece 1000 times and hasn't bothered to learn the language, that tells you all you need to know.
@@FSVR54 All towns/cities are not the same.There are the ones you rush through and the ones you have to stay and explore. That's why you have to do some research and organise.
Come on man, Kasrtoria has a beautiful lake with unique architecture by the lake. Where is it on the Video? And the best view to the Vikos gorge is from other (unesko heritage) villages of Zagori. I strongly believe you should have better info on planning Epirus roadtrip. Hope to meet you in the future on those mountains and give you a proper tour! Stay safe!
The gorge of Vikos is the deepest gorge in the world (in ratio of height - depth - length) and the river Voidomatis (the ox's eye) flows through it. The best view of the gorge is either from Oxya position or from Beloi position in the village of Vradeto. Also in the village Monodendri there is the monastery of Agia Paraskevi with another perfect view of the gorge. The villages that surround the gorge are called Zagorochoria and there are 46 of them. All are built of stone and have been characterized as traditional settlements. You are in one of the most beautiful (for me the most beautiful) regions of Greece. In Ioannina it is worth a visit to the castle and also to the island. On the island there are 7 monasteries which were built from the 13th to the 16th century. I've been to this area seven times and still haven't seen anything...
He should definitely reach the Ag.Paraskevi monastery in Monodendri village and follow the trail till he reaches the door! we are all sure by now that he loves opening doors!)
I wish you could have spent more time in Kastoria, it is one of the best preserved Byzantine towns and also the waterfront at the lake is beautiful... This Greek trip might be the best you have done so far.
Those bridges look like something out of a fairytale and the stone villages blend in so well with the amazing scenery, yep looks very magical. Vikos Gorge is just breathtaking. I imagine there would be some great hikes there. Thank you for another fantastic day of exploring. Just Wonderful!😊❤️💫
I really enjoyed this video. Northern Greece has a different feel and scenery. It is so green. I can imagine there are some amazing hikes. Looking forward to exploring the rest of northern Greece.
14:44 MESOPOTAMIA (meso - midlle , potamia - by the river )is a two part word who defines a place that excist between two rivers. BTW you should go to a higher ground in the town of Kastoria . That could give you a spectacular view!
If you stay in Kavala Gabriel, don't forget to visit the archeological site of Philippi, just 18km. This city was named after the father of Alexander the Great. There's a museum and and ancient theater. Also there, in 42BC took place the battle of Philippi the final Roman civil war between the forces of Marc Antony & Octavian from one side and Brutus & Cassius from the other, involving up to 200000 soldiers. Finally, take a visit and see the baptistery of Lydia (my hometown), 5min from Philippi and see a beautiful church and a place near the river of Zigactis, where the first European person was baptised by Saint Paul, a woman called Lydia.
Gabriel, I live in the UK and can visit GR for up to 30 days a year. I can't wait till my next motorcycle trip so I can go through the same places as you do. Until then, I live vicariously through your channel. Thank you
Glad I found this! You did many of this things I spoke of in the Ioannina video! Very happy to see that. I hope you saw Vikos from Monodendri!!!!!!!! The village is very pretty, also you can walk to the gorge which is maybe a 10-15 minute walk from the village. As you are about to enter the Vikos gorge you walk through the amazing monestary of Agia Paraskevi. I hope you did not miss that. The views are unbelievable from there. Like they say on Seinfeld, breathtaking ... but seriously they are! As you enter the gorge from the monestary, the walk actually becomes very dangerous as the path is very narrow. I heard one story from WWII. Not sure if it's true, but this is what I heard. An Italian was dropped with a parachute. Unfortunatly, he got stuck on the cliffs of the gorge. Locals attempted to reach him, but they couldn't get to him.
@@djoker3915What do you have to do to find fresh ones there Mid-May, I wonder? Look for some specialty growers with greenhouses to extend the seasons? Thx
@@makeamericagreenagain8511 Well I doubt people are growing them in greenhouses because I don't remember seeing them being sold out of their season which as another person said is August, probably because it's not that profitable of a business. So everyone just waits until they bloom to eat them. As many other fruits.
Thank you for giving us another view of the beauty of Greece besides its islands.I still can't believe that you went to Kastoria and you didn't take a walk by the lake... you missed the best part of it.Parga it's a beautiful little place facing the sea of ionian pelago. Maybe you should try the Metsovo region and Zagorochoria with the beautiful medieval stone houses.As always your videos are great.Keep up the good job 👍
On your way back towards Thessaloniki, be sure to stop at Florina. There is a small mountain you drive half way up then hike the balance to the top where there is a giant cross which get illuminated at night. It’s a nice hike. Something else of interest would be nearby Nymphaio …small town on the other side of the same mountain… all stone buildings and a bear sanctuary…interesting place. Then, as some have said before, be sure to stop in Vergina to take in the wonders of Philip of Macedon tomb and museum…. It’s amazing… just a grassy hill and the museum within is incredible. Thank you for sharing …been following for sometime now!
6:29 Not necessarily that old: this type of beam-framed construction, where horizontal beams run the width of the building's walls, is used frequently as you move towards the north of Greece. It is a type of earthquake-resistant construction and I would guess it was used in those parts because wood is more plentiful there.
Kastoria is famous for their furs. Many of the American furriers sent their mink pelts to Kastoria to be "let out." The furriers included the famous Blackglama brand This meant that the pelt was cut and a small amount of fabric was inserted to make the fur coats more flexible. Although somewhat out of style now, i wonder if you saw a lot of shops selling furs?
A classic Gabriel Traveler video. So let's take it from the start 1) In Kastoria the Koumbelidiki church and the old towns (there are three of them) were just around the corner of where you ended up. You should have parked in a different place, not having to cross the new town part of the peninsula, and go straight to the old towns. 2)After Konitsa you went to the Kleidonia bridge and you entered the Zagorochoria area. What you show in 26:18 is NOT the border with Albania (it's further north) but the limit of the Zagorochoria area. 3) The next village is Aristi and the village of the viewpoint is Vikos. You were surprised about how beautiful Aristi looked but you shouldn't be as *all* the villages of the Zagorochoria area are required by law to have the houses made of stone. So ALL the villages of the area look like that (Papingo, Monodendri, Vitsa, Tsepelovo, Dilofo, Kapesovo etc etc). It is also one of the most touristy areas of continental Greece, open all year. You could easily have found a place to stay and eat in Aristi and didn't have to go down to Ioannina. In Monodendri there is another gorgeous viewpoint of the Vikos gorge at the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi. So now you must be in Parga or somewhere near the area. I hope you visited the Nekromanteon or the Acherontas Springs. And I sure hope you are on your way to Kavala right now. I know it's a long drive but it's worth it. I guess we'll find out pretty soon 😁
Amazing landscapes, very dramatic. I never even knew that gorge existed. Looks like a pretty underrated part of the country. Getting a true sense of exploring from this.
Unfortunately not underrated at all. Thanks to the internet, this magnificent part of my country has turned into a tourist magnet (and trap). It used to be superb - not anymore. I mean, the lifestyle, not the scenery, which remains spectacular. Plus,the prices in accommodation and gastronomy have risen up to the skies. When my father first took us there for family holiday,back in the early 80s, I remember it as two tavernas and one room for rent in the whole region - now it's about "fine dining" and rooms with jacuzzi.
Those stone villages form a collection of 48 of them,and are called ''Zagorochoria''.The best view to Vikos gorge is from Papigo and from Monodendri village.Also there is a path that goes from the one end to the other of Vikos gorge,the steepest and narrowest gorge in the world,and it is listed in the Guiness Book of Records.The word Vikos is given from an ancient word " vavyka'' (Βαβύκα) meaning bridge and has the form of an ear,which resembles also the shape of the plant Vikos,a local healing herb,one of the 2.500 kinds of endemic flora of the region.Have a nice hike there,you will love the view!
Gabriel you should definitely visit the Zagorochoria. They are mountain villages close to Ioannina that are all built by stone like the ones you saw. As of 2 years ago they are a UNESCO world heritage. Also I think Ioannina needs proper exploring and also its cave.
Hi Gabriel, quite contrasting landscape vs the Greek islands (especially in the south Aegean); isn't it ? It is very hard to believe that you are in the same country and only few hundred km away (in a straight line)
congratulations dear gabriel for choosing north greece to visit.a few foreign tourists know that mountainous greece is the same spectacular as the aegean sea and many places can easily be compared with alpes.
These bridges have a very long history in Greece, they go back to the Byzantine years. They used to sacrifice an animal to the foundations in order the bridge to be stable. The legend says once a bird spoke with human voice to the head builder and told him that th bridge will balance ony if he buried his own wife in the foundations.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos I kinda wish you would stick to 1-2 places at a time and get to know them really well than try to go to every place in Greece but superficially. But since you are at that part of Greece after you stay a few days in Kavala, you could head to Drama which is a cute city north of Kavala, and from there head to Frakto Virgin Forest and the greater Rodopi Mountain Range National Park. The region has a similar architecture and vibe with similar magnificent stone bridges etc. It also is one of the few virgin forests left in Europe. The major northeast parks of Greece (Kerkini, Frakto, Nestos, Rodopi, and Dadia national parks) is the most biodiverse region in Europe containing 60-70% of all species in the continent and 100% of bird species. Since you didn't do any hiking in the northwest maybe there's still hope. I just hope this time you chill a bit and stay in one place and explore the surroundings at a chill pace.
if you plan to travel all the way to Alexandroupolis, a stop at the straits of Nestos River, lake Vistonida and the old town of Xanthi is a must! Safe travels!
"Zoodochos Pigi" is another name for the Holy Mother and it means "the life- giving source". Go to Kavala and Alexandroupolis Gabe, they both worth the driving, trust me !! on your way to Alexandropolis make a small detour to Porto Lagos.✌💙
Gabriel you have to go to the main museum and they will have the keys to all the churches in Kastoria. They can take you in to churches that are locked.
Stunning how there is no one outside in Kastoria. You should get a snake camera to be able to slide around old locked church doors. Id love to habe a peak inside!!
Those Stone towns are the Zagori aka Zagorochoria villages. There's several of them, they're all inside the Vikos Aoos national Park, and they're strictly historically protected (yep, new buildings have to adhere to local historical style). They were recently made a UNESCO world heritage site. Also, those cool arch bridges: they're all over the Epirus region. 😊
Missing Zagorochoria, when you are practically there, is a lost opportunity. YOU HAVE TO SEE THEM. Check them out on the way back. Not in the whole world, is there such a sight.
God bless Mesopotamia. My beautiful country. The Aramaic language spoken by Christ and the disciples. It’s where st. Thomas preached and our father Abraham was born. So much history. I wish people would learn more about this amazing historical country. Thanks for sharing Gabriel. 🙏😇
Come and to Oeta the 6th tallest mountain in Central Greece there you ll have to see a lot of beauties like rupicapras wild canyons and an amazing view to the sea and to the tallest mountains of Central Gkiona Vardousia Parnassus and Velouchi
@@djoker3915 Tourists usually visit the Islands,also in Greece,you can find almsot any kind of scenery. From Tropical, to dry mountains and from beaches like Hawai to forests like the forests on Northen countries..add to all that, the 6,000 islands and islets of the Greek seas!!!
In Greece,you can find almsot any kind of scenery. From Tropical, to dry mountains and from beaches like Hawai to forests like the forests on Northen countries..add to all that, the 6,000 islands and islets of the Greek seas!!!
We even have desert like scenary in the island of Limnos but who knows...?😂 Yes...we have everything in this blessed country except politicians who cares for...😢 @greekveteran2715
@@GabrielTravelerVideosThe released a new Archealogical part couple months ago but don't go only for that. Go Vergina museum, Zagorohoria, Nestor national park, Mount Athos.
If you are planning to head east afterward, a possible route would be Filippoi ancient theater, Kavala, where you spend the night. It has great beaches nearby, namely Palio, Ammolofoi (sand hills). Thassos is also an excellent choice, a favorite destination among Balkan people during summer. There is a ferry from keramoti, which takes only 45 minutes with many schedules per day. Drama worths a visit, the dam of Paradeisos, the forest of Fraktou (the of only place in Greece that has central European vegetation). Xanthi deserves a few days with Nestos gorge, the waterfall of Leivaditis also in Rhodope, one of the highest of Balkan. Rhodope mountains are much more lush and desolate than Pindos where you are currently. Also, Lake Vistonida is a home to many bird species, ancient Abdera, the home of Democritus. Finally, the city of xanthi, with its preserved old town and many great choices to eat.
Hi Gabriel, it was enjoyable to see the drive around northern Greece it was almost anticlimactic reaching Vikos you looked over the Gorge ok that's it, and can't blame you for not wanting to hit a trail it was late. It is surprising not to see many people around it's incredibly quiet in the villages and towns.
Ιn central-eastern Macedonia and Thrace, there are the Strymonian gulf towns with very long sand beaches (the longest in Greece i think), ancient Stagira (Aristotle's birthplace), Athos mount, ancient Amphipolis (museum and the huge statue of the Lion there), ancient Argilos (Andros island colony in the northern Aegean coast) Kavala, ancient Philippi, Thasos and many other places to visit.
you will love Parga but dont forget to visit Aheronda river close by very historic. Also you should have done Metsovo up in the mountains instead of Kastoria.
Advice - Church access likely not permitted after 2pm - maybe 3pm in places. Looked like you were - late afternoon. No access - it is a Morning activity for access.
Hello do ypu need a car to visit this specific area? I was recently in Athens and Paros and didn't need a car. Thanks in advance for letting me know if a car is needed. I enjoyed the mountain village of Lefkes in Greece which I got to with a public bus from Parikia, Paros.
Now that's very interesting part of Greece. These bridges are like miniature variants of the Old Bridge (Stari most) in Mostar and placed in interesting gorges. Architecture is more and more similar to that in Albania (except religious places) and North Macedonia is very near.
Gabriel, 3 points about Kastoria (I also hope you would give Kastoria a second chance by visiting again in the future) + links & videos 1. Kastoria is a wealthy town because it controls a considerable part of the world fur coat trade, especially in Europe and in North America. They still use a medieval technique where they can stitch pieces of fur from different animals and match the grain and color in such a way that the fur coat seems as if it came from a single large piece of fur. Kastoria = Beaver Town (kastor/κάστωρ = beaver). But they axed down the last beaver around 200 years ago and ever since they have been importing mink fur from Russia, in order to make their coats. 2. The old town of Kastoria has breathtaking traditional architecture. It would have been great if you had managed to record that in your video. Note that Kastoria has two waterfronts, the south one (most commonly shown in pictures) and the north one. 3. In the winter, Kastoria usually gets buried under snow and often the lake freezes too. That's when bears come out and walk on the ice. The lake of Kastoria is named Lake Orestiada. Note that there is also a town named Orestiada, but it's nowhere near the lake. Orestiada town is by the Greek-Turkish border at the north-eastern corner of Greece. LINKS en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fur_industry_in_Kastoria th-cam.com/video/06weRoGhHc0/w-d-xo.html (a travel agency promo, it shows perhaps 20 or 30 fur makers of Kastoria) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kastoria (some pictures show the traditional architecture in the old town) the rest of the links show magical winter moments in Kastoria th-cam.com/video/FdHjdSdi094/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/Ln-wZn6155M/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/Dsz7T_ojFs0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/opvX8lPnzRQ/w-d-xo.html
It's nice to see you visiting Kastoria and Edessa Gabriel.But you should spend at least two days in Kastoria. Unfortunately your video didn't include any of it's buty and history. You missed the old town, the round of the lake, the cave named "Cave of the dragon", the museums which worth visiting and many more...We also didn't get any glimpse of the lake. As mentioned before, Kastoria was one of the top international fur traders during 19th and 20th century.Therefore and the huge mansions in the old town that served the purpose of housing and business at the same time. However, I like that you travel and show us the unknown sight of Greece. Keep going!PS, Please include a bit more of historic details in your videos.
Hi Gabe we are still in Japan since March 7 2024 we watch you when we can but for sure we will watch all your videos when we get back home to Canada in June
I believe you don't have some research before you go somewhere and that's pity because you go there and miss the best spots . Where is the water front of kastoria lake? The cave of the dragon (by the lake)? The tour of the kastoria peninsula which is laying in the lake has the most wonderful views full of swans and ducks AND a Byzantine monastery, Mavriotissa (every day open for visitors) infront of the lake.
I'm not sure if you have found this out or not, since we are delayed in viewing your posts, but you might want to explore how the occupying Turkish Pasha was killed in Ioannina. According to the story, he was on an island in the lake when he was shot and killed. The interesting part is that the assailant was in the basement of the house and he killed the Pasha with a single shot through a hole (knot) in the floor!
Hi Gabriel, my son sent me a picture of your chance meeting in a restaurant in Parga, very cool, such a shame your chat was cut short due to the taxi arriving! We both watch your channel as we love travelling too. He got engaged to his girlfriend at the base camp of Annapurna Nepal some years ago, now he’s married with two children 😊
Not planning to go there this time, but I've been to both. Albania: th-cam.com/video/sZaono7c7Ak/w-d-xo.html North Macedonia: th-cam.com/video/jBfICfnoE6Y/w-d-xo.html
Mesopotamia is a greek word and means '' in between rivers'' meso=middle and potami=river. This village is betwwen two rivers exactly like the area between Tigris and Euphrates rivers...
That's true! Tigris-Euphrates (Τίγρης-Ευφράτης) are also 100% Greek names. Same goes for many languages and not just places, names etc. Who knew, that Latin alphabet (alphabet is another Greek word lol), comes from Kymi of Evia. Gabriel was at Evia some days ago! Western civilization and a big part of this world, ows everything to Greece. Maths, Democracy, Philosphy, Language, all sciences...Ippokratis the Greek doctor, who all the doctors in the world, sware to his oath to become doctors.
yes indeed
What's about those who claim that the ancient greek philosophy came from King Solomon.
@@YitzchokGorovitz Look up: IEPOI ΣΟΛΥΜΝΟΙ if you know Greek.They were the Sacred Solymnoi of ancient times.
Looks like a beautiful country
Greece is very beautiful indeed! Visit it one day if you can! I really recommend it.
@@kirschakos I will someday
I think you are rushing and don’t have enough time in each place. For example the area you were in is very beautiful and there were more places to see. Papigo village is very nice, there are springs close to it and of course anybody who can hike up the mountain gets to see the dragon lakes which are absolutely stunning. You could also do a rafting activity and see the area from the river viewpoint. In general the zagorohoria region is very traditional, with lots of interesting architecture, stone bridges and beautiful landscapes.
This guy seems to rush through most countries and then same with places within those countries also. Gotta wonder if he's going full speed from one to the next for the sake of ticking destinations off his list (yes he literally has a notebook with a list), or is it for the views on here as well? I've often thought that he misses so much that he would really enjoy if he took a pause and did some research and planning.
people have different travel styles. "rushing" is subjective. For me small towns/cities are one day max and move on (when I travel)
I think he's a tick it off the bucket list type of guy. He's been to Greece 1000 times and hasn't bothered to learn the language, that tells you all you need to know.
@@FSVR54 All towns/cities are not the same.There are the ones you rush through and the ones you have to stay and explore. That's why you have to do some research and organise.
@@eleniasimop Spot on ! Give each place the time it deserves and spend time planning!
Come on man, Kasrtoria has a beautiful lake with unique architecture by the lake. Where is it on the Video? And the best view to the Vikos gorge is from other (unesko heritage) villages of Zagori. I strongly believe you should have better info on planning Epirus roadtrip. Hope to meet you in the future on those mountains and give you a proper tour! Stay safe!
Yes! So weird that he didn't show the lake - it's so beautiful!
The gorge of Vikos is the deepest gorge in the world (in ratio of height - depth - length) and the river Voidomatis (the ox's eye) flows through it. The best view of the gorge is either from Oxya position or from Beloi position in the village of Vradeto. Also in the village Monodendri there is the monastery of Agia Paraskevi with another perfect view of the gorge. The villages that surround the gorge are called Zagorochoria and there are 46 of them. All are built of stone and have been characterized as traditional settlements. You are in one of the most beautiful (for me the most beautiful) regions of Greece. In Ioannina it is worth a visit to the castle and also to the island. On the island there are 7 monasteries which were built from the 13th to the 16th century. I've been to this area seven times and still haven't seen anything...
He should definitely reach the Ag.Paraskevi monastery in Monodendri village and follow the trail till he reaches the door! we are all sure by now that he loves opening doors!)
Awesome when I see gorges like these it makes me believe of destroyed kingdoms of the fallen angels pre flood they look melted.
I wish you could have spent more time in Kastoria, it is one of the best preserved Byzantine towns and also the waterfront at the lake is beautiful... This Greek trip might be the best you have done so far.
Those bridges look like something out of a fairytale and the stone villages blend in so well with the amazing scenery, yep looks very magical. Vikos Gorge is just breathtaking. I imagine there would be some great hikes there. Thank you for another fantastic day of exploring. Just Wonderful!😊❤️💫
Those bridges are 93 in total and he missed 91 of them !
@@mariats6381Wow that’s a lot of bridges to see. 😊
I really enjoyed this video. Northern Greece has a different feel and scenery. It is so green. I can imagine there are some amazing hikes. Looking forward to exploring the rest of northern Greece.
Finally !!! My favorite Greece video! My relatives are from that village! Cheers
Is that you, Basil?
grand canyon with vegetation. love the bridges and the drive. πολύ καλά
polý kalá
Amazing again !!
Thanks!
❤❤❤❤❤❤
14:44 MESOPOTAMIA (meso - midlle , potamia - by the river )is a two part word who defines a place that excist between two rivers. BTW you should go to a higher ground in the town of Kastoria . That could give you a spectacular view!
Welcome to Epirus Gabriel.Ioannina is the capital of south Epirus.The nort part of Epirus today belong to Albania.
since you are going west, make sure to stop in metsovo! a few km out of Ioannina
Stopped there today.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos😮😊👍
Glad you headed towards Ioannina. One of my most favorite cites in Northern Greece. Lots of history at the Epirus region.
That church was build in 1019ad and is the second oldest church of the city after Saint Stephanos church built in 900ad
If you stay in Kavala Gabriel, don't forget to visit the archeological site of Philippi, just 18km. This city was named after the father of Alexander the Great. There's a museum and and ancient theater. Also there, in 42BC took place the battle of Philippi the final Roman civil war between the forces of Marc Antony & Octavian from one side and Brutus & Cassius from the other, involving up to 200000 soldiers. Finally, take a visit and see the baptistery of Lydia (my hometown), 5min from Philippi and see a beautiful church and a place near the river of Zigactis, where the first European person was baptised by Saint Paul, a woman called Lydia.
Went there today, it was amazing.
Gabriel, I live in the UK and can visit GR for up to 30 days a year. I can't wait till my next motorcycle trip so I can go through the same places as you do. Until then, I live vicariously through your channel. Thank you
So beautiful & really Ancient. Thanks again for showing us so many countries history geography!
Magnificent landscapes!
Glad I found this! You did many of this things I spoke of in the Ioannina video! Very happy to see that. I hope you saw Vikos from Monodendri!!!!!!!! The village is very pretty, also you can walk to the gorge which is maybe a 10-15 minute walk from the village. As you are about to enter the Vikos gorge you walk through the amazing monestary of Agia Paraskevi. I hope you did not miss that. The views are unbelievable from there. Like they say on Seinfeld, breathtaking ... but seriously they are! As you enter the gorge from the monestary, the walk actually becomes very dangerous as the path is very narrow. I heard one story from WWII. Not sure if it's true, but this is what I heard. An Italian was dropped with a parachute. Unfortunatly, he got stuck on the cliffs of the gorge. Locals attempted to reach him, but they couldn't get to him.
Vikos Gorge supposed to be the deepest gorge in the world.An epic journey,awsome snaps!
Are figs growing there at that 0:16 viewpoint? Curious when you're expecting to see them ripen. 🌲😎🌲
Fig season is in August!
Yes there are figs growing randomly all throughout mainland Greece
@@djoker3915What do you have to do to find fresh ones there Mid-May, I wonder? Look for some specialty growers with greenhouses to extend the seasons? Thx
@@makeamericagreenagain8511 Well I doubt people are growing them in greenhouses because I don't remember seeing them being sold out of their season which as another person said is August, probably because it's not that profitable of a business. So everyone just waits until they bloom to eat them. As many other fruits.
Thank you for giving us another view of the beauty of Greece besides its islands.I still can't believe that you went to Kastoria and you didn't take a walk by the lake... you missed the best part of it.Parga it's a beautiful little place facing the sea of ionian pelago.
Maybe you should try the Metsovo region and Zagorochoria with the beautiful medieval stone houses.As always your videos are great.Keep up the good job 👍
i have swam in Aoos. it was amazing and there was a waterfall as well.
1:25 Ancient Greek helmet
On your way back towards Thessaloniki, be sure to stop at Florina. There is a small mountain you drive half way up then hike the balance to the top where there is a giant cross which get illuminated at night. It’s a nice hike. Something else of interest would be nearby Nymphaio …small town on the other side of the same mountain… all stone buildings and a bear sanctuary…interesting place. Then, as some have said before, be sure to stop in Vergina to take in the wonders of Philip of Macedon tomb and museum…. It’s amazing… just a grassy hill and the museum within is incredible. Thank you for sharing …been following for sometime now!
6:29 Not necessarily that old: this type of beam-framed construction, where horizontal beams run the width of the building's walls, is used frequently as you move towards the north of Greece. It is a type of earthquake-resistant construction and I would guess it was used in those parts because wood is more plentiful there.
Clouded sky was really a bummer
22:55 the view from the arched bridge is fantastic
Kastoria is famous for their furs. Many of the American furriers sent their mink pelts to Kastoria to be "let out." The furriers included the famous Blackglama brand This meant that the pelt was cut and a small amount of fabric was inserted to make the fur coats more flexible. Although somewhat out of style now, i wonder if you saw a lot of shops selling furs?
Simply amazing,thanks for sharing, excited for what's to come.
From Castor, where they make the famous furs,sold over NYC , thus CASTORIA or ΚΑΣΤΟΡΙΆ
A classic Gabriel Traveler video. So let's take it from the start
1) In Kastoria the Koumbelidiki church and the old towns (there are three of them) were just around the corner of where you ended up. You should have parked in a different place, not having to cross the new town part of the peninsula, and go straight to the old towns.
2)After Konitsa you went to the Kleidonia bridge and you entered the Zagorochoria area. What you show in 26:18 is NOT the border with Albania (it's further north) but the limit of the Zagorochoria area.
3) The next village is Aristi and the village of the viewpoint is Vikos. You were surprised about how beautiful Aristi looked but you shouldn't be as *all* the villages of the Zagorochoria area are required by law to have the houses made of stone. So ALL the villages of the area look like that (Papingo, Monodendri, Vitsa, Tsepelovo, Dilofo, Kapesovo etc etc).
It is also one of the most touristy areas of continental Greece, open all year. You could easily have found a place to stay and eat in Aristi and didn't have to go down to Ioannina. In Monodendri there is another gorgeous viewpoint of the Vikos gorge at the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi.
So now you must be in Parga or somewhere near the area. I hope you visited the Nekromanteon or the Acherontas Springs. And I sure hope you are on your way to Kavala right now. I know it's a long drive but it's worth it. I guess we'll find out pretty soon 😁
Greetings from Kavala. ✌️
@@GabrielTravelerVideos Very glad to hear it. Can't wait for the videos...
Amazing landscapes, very dramatic. I never even knew that gorge existed. Looks like a pretty underrated part of the country. Getting a true sense of exploring from this.
Unfortunately not underrated at all. Thanks to the internet, this magnificent part of my country has turned into a tourist magnet (and trap). It used to be superb - not anymore. I mean, the lifestyle, not the scenery, which remains spectacular. Plus,the prices in accommodation and gastronomy have risen up to the skies. When my father first took us there for family holiday,back in the early 80s, I remember it as two tavernas and one room for rent in the whole region - now it's about "fine dining" and rooms with jacuzzi.
Greetings from englishman in Malta
The islands where almost all buildings and walls have been constructed using stone blocks.
Hello Gabriel! Love to see the less known Greece! If you heading for Parga, I suggest also Messolonghi that is a 2 hours drive away.
Those stone villages form a collection of 48 of them,and are called ''Zagorochoria''.The best view to Vikos gorge is from Papigo and from Monodendri village.Also there is a path that goes from the one end to the other of Vikos gorge,the steepest and narrowest gorge in the world,and it is listed in the Guiness Book of Records.The word Vikos is given from an ancient word " vavyka'' (Βαβύκα) meaning bridge and has the form of an ear,which resembles also the shape of the plant Vikos,a local healing herb,one of the 2.500 kinds of endemic flora of the region.Have a nice hike there,you will love the view!
Gabriel you should definitely visit the Zagorochoria. They are mountain villages close to Ioannina that are all built by stone like the ones you saw. As of 2 years ago they are a UNESCO world heritage. Also I think Ioannina needs proper exploring and also its cave.
Hi Gabriel, quite contrasting landscape vs the Greek islands (especially in the south Aegean); isn't it ?
It is very hard to believe that you are in the same country and only few hundred km away (in a straight line)
congratulations dear gabriel for choosing north greece to visit.a few foreign tourists know that mountainous greece is the same spectacular as the aegean sea and many places can easily be compared with alpes.
These bridges have a very long history in Greece, they go back to the Byzantine years. They used to sacrifice an animal to the foundations in order the bridge to be stable. The legend says once a bird spoke with human voice to the head builder and told him that th bridge will balance ony if he buried his own wife in the foundations.
I think in the area they sacrafice a rooster when they build a home. Maybe it's a pagan tradition.
@@ΧρήστοςΚαψάλης-σ5φ The bigger the animal, the better
do you really consider turning east to Kavala and Alexandroupolis? check also the old town of Xanthi and Nestos river ;-)
Hi from Kavala. 😁
@@GabrielTravelerVideos I kinda wish you would stick to 1-2 places at a time and get to know them really well than try to go to every place in Greece but superficially. But since you are at that part of Greece after you stay a few days in Kavala, you could head to Drama which is a cute city north of Kavala, and from there head to Frakto Virgin Forest and the greater Rodopi Mountain Range National Park. The region has a similar architecture and vibe with similar magnificent stone bridges etc. It also is one of the few virgin forests left in Europe. The major northeast parks of Greece (Kerkini, Frakto, Nestos, Rodopi, and Dadia national parks) is the most biodiverse region in Europe containing 60-70% of all species in the continent and 100% of bird species. Since you didn't do any hiking in the northwest maybe there's still hope. I just hope this time you chill a bit and stay in one place and explore the surroundings at a chill pace.
You went to kastoria and didn't visit the lake route???Big omission.....
No, because it's way overrated, but thanks for your tuppence.
@@DaltonMirklesteinso the closed church doors are better
@@tolis287 I think so, yes
@@DaltonMirklestein lol
I followed more or less the same road in March....amazing place
ioannina is one of the most beautiful greek cities. trikala too. highly recommended.
Another Awesome Adventure Thank You Gabriel🙂❤👍
if you plan to travel all the way to Alexandroupolis, a stop at the straits of Nestos River, lake Vistonida and the old town of Xanthi is a must! Safe travels!
Volos Greece has some wonderful mountains too.
"Zoodochos Pigi" is another name for the Holy Mother and it means "the life- giving source". Go to Kavala and Alexandroupolis Gabe, they both worth the driving, trust me !! on your way to Alexandropolis make a small detour to Porto Lagos.✌💙
There is a Greek-Orthodox church in The Bronx (and i'm sure in other places in North America) called Zoodochos Pigi.
@@AudiophileTubes really ?? awesome, thanks for the information.
Mesopotamia is actually a greek word ! It means in the middle ( Μέσο ) of rivers ( Ποτάμια )
Gabriel you have to go to the main museum and they will have the keys to all the churches in Kastoria. They can take you in to churches that are locked.
Stunning how there is no one outside in Kastoria. You should get a snake camera to be able to slide around old locked church doors. Id love to habe a peak inside!!
What a GREAT idea!
They are open in the mornings
Those Stone towns are the Zagori aka Zagorochoria villages. There's several of them, they're all inside the Vikos Aoos national Park, and they're strictly historically protected (yep, new buildings have to adhere to local historical style). They were recently made a UNESCO world heritage site. Also, those cool arch bridges: they're all over the Epirus region. 😊
Now now! 🔐 still not a bummer! Great vlog.
Hey Gabriel. Love your videos. I suggest you check with google on how you pronounce names of greek cities
Missing Zagorochoria, when you are practically there, is a lost opportunity.
YOU HAVE TO SEE THEM.
Check them out on the way back.
Not in the whole world, is there such a sight.
Amazing 👏 🇬🇷🙏♥️
I am really suprised by this mountain area. Great vid
its so beautiful, i love it when gabe venture the eastern europe
It Was Truly Beautiful On Your Last Stop Gabriel 💯💯❤❤
God bless Mesopotamia. My beautiful country. The Aramaic language spoken by Christ and the disciples. It’s where st. Thomas preached and our father Abraham was born. So much history. I wish people would learn more about this amazing historical country. Thanks for sharing Gabriel. 🙏😇
Okay that bridge was cool, more shots like that are very cool
Come and to Oeta the 6th tallest mountain in Central Greece there you ll have to see a lot of beauties like rupicapras wild canyons and an amazing view to the sea and to the tallest mountains of Central Gkiona Vardousia Parnassus and Velouchi
Wow! Doesnt even seem like its Greece. Green and lush.
Almost all of mainland Greece is like that...
@@djoker3915 Tourists usually visit the Islands,also in Greece,you can find almsot any kind of scenery. From Tropical, to dry mountains and from beaches like Hawai to forests like the forests on Northen countries..add to all that, the 6,000 islands and islets of the Greek seas!!!
In Greece,you can find almsot any kind of scenery. From Tropical, to dry mountains and from beaches like Hawai to forests like the forests on Northen countries..add to all that, the 6,000 islands and islets of the Greek seas!!!
We even have desert like scenary in the island of Limnos but who knows...?😂
Yes...we have everything in this blessed country except politicians who cares for...😢 @greekveteran2715
Greece has also the richest flora out of any country in Europe. 19.000 species out of 22.000 of all Europe's flora can be found in Greece.
Go visit the ancient capital of Macedonia in Pella. Incredible mosaics and history.
th-cam.com/video/NUnP2Uyg_R8/w-d-xo.html
@@GabrielTravelerVideosThe released a new Archealogical part couple months ago but don't go only for that. Go Vergina museum, Zagorohoria, Nestor national park, Mount Athos.
Yes Gabe, try to visit Macedonia, Kavala and especially Ancient Phillipi❤
If you are planning to head east afterward, a possible route would be Filippoi ancient theater, Kavala, where you spend the night. It has great beaches nearby, namely Palio, Ammolofoi (sand hills). Thassos is also an excellent choice, a favorite destination among Balkan people during summer. There is a ferry from keramoti, which takes only 45 minutes with many schedules per day. Drama worths a visit, the dam of Paradeisos, the forest of Fraktou (the of only place in Greece that has central European vegetation).
Xanthi deserves a few days with Nestos gorge, the waterfall of Leivaditis also in Rhodope, one of the highest of Balkan. Rhodope mountains are much more lush and desolate than Pindos where you are currently. Also, Lake Vistonida is a home to many bird species, ancient Abdera, the home of Democritus. Finally, the city of xanthi, with its preserved old town and many great choices to eat.
Hi Gabriel, it was enjoyable to see the drive around northern Greece it was almost anticlimactic reaching Vikos you looked over the Gorge ok that's it, and can't blame you for not wanting to hit a trail it was late. It is surprising not to see many people around it's incredibly quiet in the villages and towns.
Ιn central-eastern Macedonia and Thrace, there are the Strymonian gulf towns with very long sand beaches (the longest in Greece i think), ancient Stagira (Aristotle's birthplace), Athos mount, ancient Amphipolis (museum and the huge statue of the Lion there), ancient Argilos (Andros island colony in the northern Aegean coast) Kavala, ancient Philippi, Thasos and many other places to visit.
you had to do the path from the Konitsa bridge to the Monastery!! it is one of the best hikes in Europe!!
you will love Parga but dont forget to visit Aheronda river close by very historic. Also you should have done Metsovo up in the mountains instead of Kastoria.
Advice - Church access likely not permitted after 2pm - maybe 3pm in places.
Looked like you were - late afternoon. No access - it is a Morning activity for access.
Gabriel is not a morning person.
Hello do ypu need a car to visit this specific area? I was recently in Athens and Paros and didn't need a car. Thanks in advance for letting me know if a car is needed. I enjoyed the mountain village of Lefkes in Greece which I got to with a public bus from Parikia, Paros.
Yes, you definitely need a car.
Now that's very interesting part of Greece. These bridges are like miniature variants of the Old Bridge (Stari most) in Mostar and placed in interesting gorges. Architecture is more and more similar to that in Albania (except religious places) and North Macedonia is very near.
See Greek minority of Albania and you ll understand
The mountains of Greece are beautiful😊 Reminds me of several northern coastal areas of Cali, very pretty!
Love your videos i been to corfu sidari its beautiful
Warm up before hot long Greek summer vacation :-)
Gabriel, 3 points about Kastoria (I also hope you would give Kastoria a second chance by visiting again in the future) + links & videos
1. Kastoria is a wealthy town because it controls a considerable part of the world fur coat trade, especially in Europe and in North America. They still use a medieval technique where they can stitch pieces of fur from different animals and match the grain and color in such a way that the fur coat seems as if it came from a single large piece of fur. Kastoria = Beaver Town (kastor/κάστωρ = beaver). But they axed down the last beaver around 200 years ago and ever since they have been importing mink fur from Russia, in order to make their coats.
2. The old town of Kastoria has breathtaking traditional architecture. It would have been great if you had managed to record that in your video.
Note that Kastoria has two waterfronts, the south one (most commonly shown in pictures) and the north one.
3. In the winter, Kastoria usually gets buried under snow and often the lake freezes too. That's when bears come out and walk on the ice.
The lake of Kastoria is named Lake Orestiada. Note that there is also a town named Orestiada, but it's nowhere near the lake. Orestiada town is by the Greek-Turkish border at the north-eastern corner of Greece.
LINKS
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fur_industry_in_Kastoria
th-cam.com/video/06weRoGhHc0/w-d-xo.html (a travel agency promo, it shows perhaps 20 or 30 fur makers of Kastoria)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kastoria (some pictures show the traditional architecture in the old town)
the rest of the links show magical winter moments in Kastoria
th-cam.com/video/FdHjdSdi094/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/Ln-wZn6155M/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/Dsz7T_ojFs0/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/opvX8lPnzRQ/w-d-xo.html
Disappointment, you didn't show anything of the beautiful Kastoria, not even a bit of the lake
If by any chance you return to north\west Greece Irecommend you to visit Prespes region
Gabriel this area Epirus is famous for its home made Thick dough spanskopita & Tyropitas...Ask for it at these local tavernas & Bakeries...
I have never seen such a cloudy sky in Greece….
Good thing about it is no sun lotion needed, thanks Gabe for saturday Video⭐️🍦🌷
Most Greece is cut off by snow during winter.
@@aokiaoki4238 yes i know, but always wjen i am in greece it is summer and a clearblue sky🌞🌞🌞
Wow just wowww ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🇬🇷 💝💝💝💝💝💝💝
Is there a longer gorge on Crete?
I think those bridges have the arch so they didn't fall down during construction. Love the videos
It's nice to see you visiting Kastoria and Edessa Gabriel.But you should spend at least two days in Kastoria. Unfortunately your video didn't include any of it's buty and history. You missed the old town, the round of the lake, the cave named "Cave of the dragon", the museums which worth visiting and many more...We also didn't get any glimpse of the lake. As mentioned before, Kastoria was one of the top international fur traders during 19th and 20th century.Therefore and the huge mansions in the old town that served the purpose of housing and business at the same time. However, I like that you travel and show us the unknown sight of Greece. Keep going!PS, Please include a bit more of historic details in your videos.
Beautiful 🤩
*Random question. Do you know who Terence McKenna was?*
Yes, consciousness explorer and LSD enthusiast.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos yes, but so much more!
Beautiful❤
Waiting for the next videos!
Hi Gabe we are still in Japan since March 7 2024 we watch you when we can but for sure we will watch all your videos when we get back home to Canada in June
Cool, enjoy Japan, I'm thinking of going back there again this summer.
🐻🐺🐻🐺🐻< < < WAS THAT A BEAR AND WOLF CROSSING SIGN @ 16:09 ? DIDN'T THINK THEY HAD CRITTERS LIKE THAT THERE. > > > 🐻🐺🐻🐺🐻
Perhaps if you didn't write in caps you'd know basic things
@@DaltonMirklestein PERHAPS IF YOU DIDN'T WHISPER I COULD HEAR YOU. 😂
Brown bear lives in Greece
@@aokiaoki4238 YOU ARE CORRECT AND WOLVES TOO. THANKS.
Exactly, bear and wolf crossing. Didn't see either but I did see a fox, which was pretty amazing. Probably a very rare sight.
I believe you don't have some research before you go somewhere and that's pity because you go there
and miss the best spots . Where is the water front of kastoria lake? The cave of the dragon (by the lake)?
The tour of the kastoria peninsula which is laying in the lake has the most wonderful views full of swans
and ducks AND a Byzantine monastery, Mavriotissa (every day open for visitors) infront of the lake.
Zahorohoria is a big tourist destination in Northern Greece
🇹🇷 Turkey forever
Turkey established just in 1920. It's a bit early for that
@@aokiaoki4238 Young and strong 🇹🇷
@@JonnieSlade-fh2cg Turkey will not get old.
@@aokiaoki4238 🇹🇷
22:41 the same goes for the US of A
I'm not sure if you have found this out or not, since we are delayed in viewing your posts, but you might want to explore how the occupying Turkish Pasha was killed in Ioannina. According to the story, he was on an island in the lake when he was shot and killed. The interesting part is that the assailant was in the basement of the house and he killed the Pasha with a single shot through a hole (knot) in the floor!
Koutras 🇹🇷
Hi Gabriel, my son sent me a picture of your chance meeting in a restaurant in Parga, very cool, such a shame your chat was cut short due to the taxi arriving! We both watch your channel as we love travelling too. He got engaged to his girlfriend at the base camp of Annapurna Nepal some years ago, now he’s married with two children 😊
Wow, so you're his dad, cool indeed. I definitely recognize you from previous comments. What an amazing place to pop the question, up at ABC.
Are you heading to Albania & North Macedonia? Those would be cool places to go see
Wasn't there a Hoskins that headed up the American Communist Party back in the 50s ? 🤔
Not planning to go there this time, but I've been to both.
Albania: th-cam.com/video/sZaono7c7Ak/w-d-xo.html
North Macedonia: th-cam.com/video/jBfICfnoE6Y/w-d-xo.html
@@CallumScottieCambell not anymore. Communism fell over there a bit after USSR collapsed. They’re now socialist
I bet there's a trail to that highest rock